Find Peace With Tai Chi

Synopsis

Is this the right book for me?

This is the perfect introduction for beginners who want to learn the essential principles behind Tai Chi without overcomplicated instructions or confusing detail. You will learn the basic ideas and get into the Tai Chi way of thinking before picking up the 'form' and exercises through a series of simple illustrations designed for all abilities, leaving you with the perfect antidote to the stresses of 21st-century life.

Find Peace with Tai Chi includes:

Chapter 1: Background
What does 'tai chi' mean?
The tai chi form
Origins of tai chi
How long does it take to learn?
What are the benefits?
The nature of ch'i
Atmospheric ch'i

Chapter 2: Gently does it
How fast? How slow?
Breathing made visible
Practice
Getting started

Chapter 3: Tips and suggestions
Dos and don'ts
Posture
Basic stances
Getting about

Chapter 4: The form - part one
Step-by-step instructions

Chapter 5: The form - part two
Step-by-step instructions

Chapter 6: In depth
Additional notes on the movement
Test your knowledge
Chapter 7: Tai chi and health
Circulation
Breathing
Lymph
Nerves, sensations and thoughts
Food and how to deal with it
Bones
Muscles
Glands
Urinary and reproductive systems
Sex
Staying healthy

Chapter 8: Tai chi - the learning experience
Questions in class
Letters and correspondence

Chapter 9: Body, mind and spirit
Finding a teacher
Between heaven and earth
Ch'i kung
The five elements: pathways between body and mind
Taoism


Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features:

Not got much time?
One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.

Author insights
Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.

Test yourself
Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.

Extend your knowledge
Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject.

Five things to remember
Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.

Try this
Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to Tai Chi

* Definition of Tai Chi as a mind-body practice that originated in ancient China.
* Benefits of Tai Chi, including improved physical health, mental clarity, and overall well-being.
* Real example: A 65-year-old man named John, who had been experiencing chronic pain and stiffness, joined a Tai Chi class and found relief from his symptoms after practicing regularly.

Chapter 2: The Five Essential Principles of Tai Chi

* The five principles: Relaxation, fluidity, coordination, balance, and centering.
* Explanation of each principle and its importance in Tai Chi.
* Real example: A Tai Chi instructor named Sarah demonstrates the principle of relaxation by guiding a student through gentle breathing exercises and body scans.

Chapter 3: The Yang Short Form

* Overview of the Yang Short Form, one of the most popular Tai Chi forms.
* Breakdown of the 108 movements in the form, focusing on their names, meanings, and connections.
* Real example: A student named Maria practices the "Wave Hands Like Clouds" movement, paying attention to its slow and graceful execution.

Chapter 4: Basic Qigong Exercises

* Introduction to Qigong as a complementary practice to Tai Chi.
* Step-by-step instructions for three basic Qigong exercises: the Opening Ceremony, the Eight Brocades, and the Standing Meditation.
* Real example: A group of beginners performs the Eight Brocades exercise, flowing through the movements with gentle stretching and deep breathing.

Chapter 5: Mastering the Basics

* Tips for refining Tai Chi movements, such as proper posture, footwork, and breath control.
* Discussions on the role of intention and visualization in Tai Chi.
* Real example: A Tai Chi practitioner named David focuses on aligning his body and coordinating his movements during the "Kick with Heel" technique.

Chapter 6: Applying Tai Chi to Daily Life

* Practical ways to integrate Tai Chi principles into everyday activities.
* Examples of using Tai Chi to manage stress, improve posture, and enhance coordination.
* Real example: A businesswoman named Emily incorporates Tai Chi breathing techniques into her work presentations to reduce anxiety and project confidence.

Chapter 7: The Power of the Mind in Tai Chi

* Exploration of the mind-body connection in Tai Chi.
* Techniques for calming the mind, cultivating mindfulness, and connecting to the present moment.
* Real example: A Tai Chi master named Chen leads a guided meditation, guiding students through a visualization exercise to promote inner peace.